Lung Ultrasound Score and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Major Non-Thoracic Surgery (LUS-POSTOP)

Predictive Value of Perioperative Lung Ultrasound Score for Early Postoperative Oxygen Requirement and Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Major Non-Thoracic Surgery

This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate the predictive value of perioperative lung ultrasound (LUS) score in determining early postoperative oxygen requirement and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major non-thoracic surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive, bedside imaging modality that allows real-time assessment of lung aeration and pathology. This study will investigate the association between perioperative LUS score and early postoperative respiratory outcomes, including oxygen requirement and pulmonary complications.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Hypoxemia; Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs)

Detailed Description

Postoperative pulmonary complications are among the most common causes of postoperative morbidity and prolonged hospital stay following major surgery. Early identification of patients at risk is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a reliable, non-invasive, and bedside tool for evaluating lung aeration and detecting pulmonary abnormalities such as atelectasis, interstitial syndrome, and pleural effusion.

This prospective observational cohort study is designed to assess the predictive value of perioperative lung ultrasound score in patients undergoing major non-thoracic surgery. A total of 97 patients aged between 18 and 65 years will be included. Lung ultrasound examinations will be performed perioperatively, and LUS scores will be calculated based on standardized protocols.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between perioperative LUS score and early postoperative oxygen requirement. Secondary objectives include assessing the association between LUS score and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, need for intensive care unit admission, and length of hospital stay.

By identifying the predictive role of lung ultrasound scoring, this study aims to contribute to improved perioperative risk stratification and support the use of lung ultrasound as a practical tool in routine anesthetic and surgical care.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 97

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Huseyin Cetik, MD; Phone Number: +90 538 970 0171; Email: huseyincetik@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult patients aged 18 to 65 years undergoing elective major non-thoracic surgery under general anesthesia with an expected surgical duration of 3 hours or longer at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Hospital.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 to 65 years
• Scheduled for elective major non-thoracic surgery
• Undergoing surgery under general anesthesia
• Expected surgical duration of 3 hours or longer
• ASA physical status I-III
• Willing to participate in the study
• Provides written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing thoracic or cardiac surgery
• Advanced chronic lung disease (e.g., severe COPD or pulmonary fibrosis)
• History of previous lung resection
• Preoperative pneumonia or active pulmonary infection
• Body mass index greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2
• Pregnancy
• Emergency surgery
• Planned postoperative mechanical ventilation or intensive care unit admission
• Refusal to participate in the study

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
atients Undergoing Major Non-Thoracic Surgery; Patients aged 18 to 65 years undergoing major non-thoracic surgery who will be evaluated using perioperative lung ultrasound score to assess its association with early postoperative oxygen requirement and pulmonary complications.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Early Postoperative Oxygen Requirement	Assessment of the need for supplemental oxygen in the first 24 hours postoperatively and its association with perioperative lung ultrasound score.	Within the first 24 hours after surgery

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Postoperative Pulmonary Complications	Incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications including atelectasis, pneumonia, pleural effusion, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary edema, and need for reintubation.	Within 7 days after surgery
Correlation Between LUS Score and Hypoxemia	Evaluation of the relationship between perioperative lung ultrasound score and postoperative hypoxemia.	Within 24 hours after surgery
Number of participants requiring ICU admission	Requirement for postoperative intensive care unit admission.	Within 7 days after surgery
Length of Hospital Stay	Total duration of hospitalization measured in days.	From surgery until hospital discharge (up to 30 days)
Duration of Postoperative Oxygen Therapy	Total duration of supplemental oxygen therapy required during the first 24 hours postoperatively.	Within the first 24 hours after surgery
Number of participants requiring high-flow nasal oxygen or noninvasive ventilation	Requirement for advanced respiratory support including high-flow nasal oxygen or noninvasive ventilation in the postoperative period.	Within 7 days after surgery

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Dicle University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Zeynep Baysal Yildirim, MD,Professor, Dicle University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 25, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 31, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 7, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 7, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 31, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Anesthesia; lung ultrasound; Postoperative Complications; Lus Score; Perioperative Ultrasound; Oxygen Requirement; Non-Thoracic Surgery
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Hypoxia; Postoperative Complications
• Other Study ID Numbers: DICLE-ANES-001

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data will not be shared due to institutional policies and ethical considerations regarding patient confidentiality.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No